Vivici secures €32.5 million in Series A funding
- Ingredients startup backed by dsm-firmenich and Fonterra advances on its path to full commercialisation.
- New investors include Pensioenfonds ABP, Invest-NL, and InnovationQuarter Capital.
Vivici, the Dutch ingredients startup backed by multinational dsm-firmenich and dairy multinational Fonterra, announces that it has secured €32.5 million in Series A funding. The funding round was led by APG on behalf of ABP, one of the largest pension funds in the world, and Invest-NL. InnovationQuarter Capital also participated in the investment round, alongside existing shareholders dsm-firmenich and Fonterra.
Vivici expands market reach and manufacturing
Vivici has already secured the first customer offtake agreements for its dairy protein from precision fermentation. It will use the funding to expand its access into new international markets, launch its second dairy protein ingredient, and establish long-term manufacturing capabilities.
Sustainable dairy protein from precision fermentation
Precision fermentation – the method used by Vivici to create dairy protein – combines the process of traditional fermentation with the latest advances in biotechnology, producing proteins without the need for animals. The technology promises to sustainably meet the protein needs of the world’s growing population, without compromising on price, taste, or nutritional quality.
“With this investment, we will continue on our path to turning the promise of precision fermentation into a commercial reality. This fundraise demonstrates the confidence investors have in both our mission and our capabilities. With our Vivitein™ protein platform, we’re bringing a new standard of protein to the market – one that will become a mainstay of consumer protein products.”
– Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici.
Vivici team
Vivitein™ BLG, an isolated whey protein (beta-lactoglobulin), is the first ingredient to be launched under the company’s Vivitein™ protein platform. Vivitein™ BLG will offer significant sustainability benefits over conventional methods of producing protein. These include 86% less water usage and a carbon footprint that is 68% lower4 than conventional methods of producing dairy protein. (Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14040-44 guidelines (NEN, 2006)) authored by CE Delft, February 2025).
“Vivici offers a compelling package of sustainability, consumer-focused and commercial benefits. This makes it an appealing partner for food companies looking to unlock new potential, both now and in the long term.”
– Lodewijk Meens, senior portfolio manager at ABP Netherlands Energy Transition & Biodiversity fund.
“Fermentation technology plays a key role in the transition to a sustainable and CO2-neutral food system. This innovative protein solution has the potential to fundamentally change food production. We are convinced that the team has the right expertise to successfully commercialize this technology.”
– Victor Meijer, Senior Investment Manager at Invest-NL.
Accelerating the sustainable food & biotech ecosystem in Zuid-Holland
With this investment, Vivici will expand its research and production capabilities in Zuid-Holland, further positioning the region as a leading hub in the industrial biotech and protein transition. As the regional development agency for Zuid-Holland, InnovationQuarter is proud to be actively contributing to this investment round.
“We are enthusiastic about Vivici’s mission and the team behind it. We believe in their potential to significantly reduce the global carbon footprint and create sustainable food solutions. Supporting Vivici’s growth not only strengthens our local biotech and precision fermentation ecosystem, but it also aligns with our region’s ambition to be a leader in industrial biotechnology and protein transition.”
– Fleur Rooker, Investment Manager at InnovationQuarter Capital.
Unrivaled expertise in biotech
Vivici was founded in 2023 with the mission of realising the commercial potential of precision fermentation. Its senior team, led by former IFF executive van Sint Fiet, features decades of combined experience in ingredient application, giving the company a level of both commercial and technical acumen that is unrivalled amongst food biotechnology companies.
Expanding frontiers in protein innovation
The company’s first ingredient, Vivitein™ BLG, is targeted specifically at consumers in the active nutrition category. The category was valued globally at US $28.4 billion a year in 2023. By unlocking a range of consumer product innovations, including clear water-based protein drinks and vegan-friendly bars with textures similar to those made with animal-derived ingredients, Vivitein™ BLG will open up vast new commercial potential in the active nutrition category.
Continuing its momentum, the company promises a strong pipeline of future ingredient products, with lactoferrin – Vivitein™ LF – to be launched later this year.
About Vivici
Vivici was founded in 2023 with the mission of making the promise of dairy protein from precision fermentation a commercial reality. Based in the Netherlands, and backed by leading nutrition, health and beauty multinational dsm-firmenich and dairy multinational Fonterra, Vivici combines breakthrough innovation and unrivalled ingredients industry experience to help food companies unlock new commercial potential, sustainably.
About InnovationQuarter Capital
InnovationQuarter Capital (€143 M) strategically invests in disruptive startups and scale-ups with high technological risk. We focus on innovative industries in Zuid-Holland, including the key sectors Energy & Chemistry, Digital Technology & Cybersecurity, High-Tech Systems & Aerospace, Maritime & Harbour, Horticulture & Food and Life Sciences & Health. As a founder-friendly investor, we offer subordinated loans, convertible loans and/or equity. At InnovationQuarter Capital, we’re committed to long-term investments in innovative startups and scale-ups. Our focus is on companies led by strong management teams with clear growth trajectories. As patient investors, we prioritize sustainable development and strategic progress, combining societal impact with financial returns.
